Funeral Shipping
Shipping Human Remains to India
India’s consulate in Atlanta, which covers Florida, issues a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for transporting mortal remains or ashes. Here is what it publishes, and how we help.
The short version
Last reviewed: November 8, 2026.
- The Consulate General of India in Atlanta, whose jurisdiction includes Florida, issues the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for mortal remains and ashes. It says to wait for the NOC before finalizing transportation.
- It says the NOC is normally issued the same working day if the documents are complete. Fees are free for Indian passport holders, and US$60 plus Community Welfare Fund charges for non-Indian passport holders carrying mortal remains (US$40 plus charges for ashes).
- The documents include the original death certificate stating the cause of death, an embalming certificate, and a burial or transit permit. For ashes, a cremation certificate.
- OCI cardholders must first apply online on the OCI services portal, and foreign nationals of Indian origin without an OCI card are considered case by case.
Source: Consulate General of India, Atlanta: NOC for transportation of mortal remains and ashes (updated November 6, 2026). The consulate may request more documents, and airlines, local, public health and airport authorities may add requirements. Fees may not be the same today.
How shipping human remains to India works
- Choose a licensed funeral home in FloridaIt cares for your loved one, embalms, and prepares the certificates and permit.
- Register on the eSEWA portalFor Indian passport holders, the consulate describes an online application on the Ministry of External Affairs’ eSEWA portal, followed by submitting the original documents and fees.
- Submit the documentsIn person in Atlanta without an appointment, by post with a prepaid tracked return envelope, or through VFS Global.
- Receive the NOCThe consulate says the NOC is normally issued the same working day if documentation is complete.
- Meet the airline and airport requirementsThe consulate says airlines and airport health authorities may impose their own requirements.
- Book the flight and shipOnly after the NOC is issued. We confirm the carrier, cargo cut-off and arrival airport.
Documents the government lists
This table follows the Atlanta consulate’s page.
| Document or item | Who usually provides it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Printout of the eSEWA application and the signed Miscellaneous Services Application Form | Family | For Indian passport holders. |
| Original Indian passport of the deceased, plus a copy | Family | Required for registration of the death. |
| Original death certificate stating the cause of death | Florida funeral home and the vital records office | See Why Death Certificates Matter. |
| Mortal remains: embalming certificate from the competent authority | Embalmer or funeral home | See Embalming and Shipping. |
| Mortal remains: certificate that the body is free from infectious disease (only if the cause of death is unknown or pending) | Health authority, via the funeral home | Listed by the consulate. |
| Mortal remains: burial or transit permit | Florida funeral director | See What Is a Burial-Transit Permit?. |
| Ashes: cremation certificate from the competent authority | Crematory | Listed by the consulate. |
| Applicant’s photo ID and proof of address | Family | Notarized copies if applying by post. |
| Fees: NOC free for Indian passport holders; US$60 plus ICWF (remains) or US$40 plus ICWF (ashes) for non-Indian passport holders, including OCI cardholders | Applicant | Payment by cashier’s check, money order or another method the consulate prescribes; fees may not be the same today. |
The consulate is at 5549 Glenridge Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30342, and for emergencies offers a same-day appointment by email at miscservices.atlanta@mea.gov.in and cons.atlanta@mea.gov.in or by phone at +1 (404) 910-7919. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (consulate page).
OCI cardholders and people of Indian origin
The consulate says OCI cardholders must first apply online at the OCI services portal, upload a copy of the OCI card and the next of kin’s undertaking, and then submit the documents to the consulate. It warns that an online OCI submission does not automatically produce an NOC, and that transportation should not be finalized until the NOC is issued. Foreign nationals of Indian origin without an OCI card are considered case by case on humanitarian grounds, may be asked for an undertaking or indemnity bond, and should not make transportation arrangements until permission is granted.
Timing and cost factors
We do not publish a fixed price or number of days for India. The main variables are:
- The consulate’s review, which it says is normally same-day when documents are complete.
- The long flight and any connections to India, and the trip onward inside the country.
- Flight availability, cargo cut-off and the arrival airport, and the trip onward inside the country.
- Funeral home charges at both ends, consular and document fees, translation and airline cargo charges, which may not be the same from case to case.
Read What Affects the Cost of Funeral Shipping, and How to Keep It Affordable and How Long Does Funeral Shipping Take?. For the wider region see Repatriation to Europe.
How we help families with India repatriation
We coordinate the shipping side: sequencing the documents, translations and apostilles, coordinating with the Florida funeral home and the receiving side in India, booking transport once the consulate confirms the file, and keeping you updated. We do not have an office in India, and the funeral and burial there are carried out by the receiving funeral home.
Frequently asked questions
Do you ship to India?
Yes, we coordinate repatriation to India. We confirm the current requirements and the route on every case.
What is the NOC?
The No Objection Certificate is the document the Indian consulate issues to allow transportation of mortal remains or ashes. The consulate says to wait for it before finalizing transportation.
How long does the NOC take?
The consulate says it is normally issued the same working day if the documentation is complete. The other steps add time, and we cannot promise a fixed date.
What does the NOC cost?
The Atlanta consulate lists it as free for Indian passport holders and US$60 plus Community Welfare Fund charges for non-Indian passport holders (US$40 for ashes). Fees may not be the same today.
What if the person was an OCI cardholder?
The consulate asks OCI cardholders to apply online first and says an online submission does not automatically produce an NOC.
Can ashes be sent?
Yes. The consulate lists a cremation certificate for ashes. See Cremation and Shipping.
Arrange repatriation to India
Tell us where your loved one is and where in India the funeral will be held. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.